Lawyer Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Lawyers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $125,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $79,093 and $160,000. That sits 33% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,805. Figures are based on 40 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 60th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +1 listings vs last month
💰 Lawyer · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$79,093 – $160,000
Median: $125,000
Aug $120k
Sep $125k
↑ Trending up

Based on 2-month data, short-term movement only.

Entry level $70,000 – $141,000
Mid level $77,964 – $151,250
Senior level $122,410 – $160,000
Overall $79k–$160k Entry $70k–$141k Mid $77k–$151k Senior $122k–$160k $67k $87k $106k $126k $145k $164k
Moderate confidence 40 listings (+1 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 40 job listings for this role and city, 85.0% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 40.0% stated a salary directly. The remaining 60.0% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $79,093 Median  $125,000 $160,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

The median rose $5,000 to $125,000, bringing Melbourne level with Sydney but leaving both well behind Brisbane at $150,000. Listings were flat at 40. Melbourne is one of the few markets with a complete three-tier structure for this role: entry at $85,000 on 10 listings, mid at $121,000 on 16 and senior at $155,000 on 14. That $70,000 span from entry to senior median is one of the clearest legal progressions in this data.

Take Home Pay (based on median $125,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,754
Monthly (net)
~$7,599
Annual (net)
~$91,183
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $139,375

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Lawyer in Melbourne?
Entry listings run $70,000 to $141,000 with a median of $85,000, based on 10 listings, so the graduate band is measurable here. Practical Legal Training and admission are baseline, so practice area is the differentiator. Property, insurance and personal injury sit at the lower end, with commercial litigation and corporate above.
Is $125,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes. At $125,000 a lawyer earns 33.3% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,000, with take-home near $1,754 a week against high living costs. Brisbane pays $25,000 more at a considerably lower cost base, which is one of the strongest relocation cases in this report. In-house legal counsel in Melbourne at $160,000 is the clearest local step up.
How much does a Senior Lawyer make in Melbourne?
Senior listings run $122,000 to $160,000 with a median of $155,000, from 14 listings. Special counsel, partnership track or a move in-house are the routes past the mid band. That $34,000 step from mid to senior median is substantial, and legal counsel at $160,000 sits just above it.

Other roles in Melbourne

Lawyer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $125,000 0%
Brisbane $150,000 +20%
Sydney $125,000 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.